I loved reading Emma Blooms At Last. It is part of the 'One Big Happy Family' series. I believe it is better to read them in order, so you don't get lost in who is who, but also because story lines get carried over. I love the fact that the previous stories are woven into the new ones. I love being able to visit with old friends and catch up with them while reading the new chapter. I think it is the way the author leaves no one behind that makes this series so special to me. In this book we get the story of Emma. Emma is living at home taking care of her parents. She had been in love but the man married someone else. Now she feels there is no one for her and, due to her hurt at being rejected, fights the prospect of someone else. I think that is a reality for many. You get so caught up in the love you thought was yours that you can't see the love being offered to you. While reading Emma, (and really the other books in this series), I felt like I was there, visiting family. I love when an author can draw you into the story so that you feel a part of it. The story has plenty of emotional moments, some happy and some sad with some where you want to shake someone in frustration. Just like real life. I think what I took from this book is sometimes you need to let go of a dream that isn't working for you so you can embrace your reality. We all need that push at some point. We get so stuck on what we think our life should be that we don't see the opportunities for a new dream, a realistic one. We carry hurts with us and project them unto those who have not hurt us. The fear we hold distorts the reality offered. I really love the way Naomi King brings that message to us in Emma. Another thing I love about this story is that the characters are flawed and not just Emma. Jerome has broken engagements and hasn't committed to the church. Hmm commitment issues for him? I can certainly see why Emma would think twice before trusting him. He may be a good man but he has his issues too. Which is the point...don't we all have issues? It doesn't make us good or bad only human. I think when we look for the "perfect" mate we get in trouble. Emma brings home the message that a perfect mate isn't perfect. As flawed as Jerome and Emma are together they make the perfect couple. Sigh. Isn't that what we all want?

I would highly recommend This book and series, (as well as any written by Charlotte Hubbard/Naomi King), for anyone interested in the Amish lifestyle and/or clean romance. These are books you can trust to make your heart flutter without the pressure to add sex to every date. I love the way the author writes in the sexual feelings we all have but leaves out the falling into bed as soon as I know your name. It is refreshing to know we can have the feelings and longings and not die if we decide not to have sex on the first date. We can say no to ourselves and others without dying. It is a worthy message for many young women who get caught up in the pressures of sex with no commitment. There may be no commitment but there is always a consequence.

I received a copy of this book for review purposes. Thoughts and opinions of the book are my honest feelings of what I read. ( )

Although the title of the book is Emma Blooms At Last, most of the book is centered around James and Abby's wedding and trips out on the weekends to collect their wedding gifts. Wedding are really big in the Amish life.

Emma has lived a very quiet life taking care of her family, so when Jerome begins to notice her she is very shy. Really not even given him a chance until after her Mother dies. Slowly but surely she comes to care for him.

Enjoy the Amish books. It good to see how the families work and help each other. Even the children helps out in the family.

Would recommend to others. ( )

The continuing story of the Lambright and Brubaker families. You know exactly what is going to happen but you still can't put the book down. I love this author! ( )

I loved my visit back in Cedar Creek, and my time spent with old friends. We are up-dated on everyone here, and some of the focus on this book is Emma Graber, as we also prepare for the wedding of her brother James and Abby Lambright. We get to spend time with Amanda and Wyman Brubaker and her nephew Jerome and their blended family.
What a sweet time here becoming fully absorbed in the Amish culture, and even take a sleigh ride, such fun. Not everything is rosy, but love how these folks face adversity, and let their faith and prayer lead them in their decisions.
Emma does have a rough time during this story, and the Community tries to rally around her, she does seem interested in Jerome, but he has already had two broken engagements. What could be the problem, and does she wants to be number three?
We end up snowbound at the Brubaker’s with Emma and her Dad, and then some surprise visitors appear, wonder how they got there? Some excitement is about to happen in Emma’s life, and she appears to have developed some backbone.
Don’t miss this sweet read, and if you haven’t read the other books don’t let that keep you from enjoying this one, it can stand alone, but don’t deny yourself the great pleasure of reading the first book in this series, Amanda Weds A Good Man.
Enjoy!
I received this book through Goddess Fish Promotions, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )